“What can you tell me about the Teapot Dome scandal?”
William snapped to attention. “Um. I um.”
“See me after class,” Mr. Brown said, walking back to the front.
William checked the clock every few minutes. It didn’t seem to move. Casey wouldn’t
be happy if he kept her waiting.
When the bell rang, the other students rushed out. William stayed seated.
“Thanks for not trying to sneak out,” Mr. Brown said from his desk. “Most students
would’ve assumed I forgot.”
William forced a smile. “You’re welcome, sir.”
“I know you don’t like doing homework,” Mr. Brown continued. “You rarely turn it
in. You do the bare minimum.”
William nodded.
“But you do extremely well on tests. You’re bright, William. You just need
motivation. I know you like to coast. Try to earn a C. Not make waves. But you
could be doing better.”
William nodded again.
“I’m giving you extra homework tonight. Four paragraphs on the Teapot Dome scandal,
due at the start of class tomorrow. I’ll give you extra credit. It could bump you
up to a B minus.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“On my desk before you sit down. Got it?”
“Yes, sir.”
William left and headed to his car.
Casey sat on the hood, staring toward the football field. She didn’t notice him at
first.